Insulin co-formulations: Discontinuation
NovoMix 30 FlexPen, Mixtard 30, PenMix 30 and PenMix 50 are being discontinued by Novo Nordisk.
10 March 2025 | Update
Novo Nordisk is also discontinuing the NovoMix 30 FlexPen by mid-2026.
Give your feedback on our proposal to fund Ryzodeg (insulin degludec and insulin aspart) from 1 May 2025 (Consultation closes 24 March 2025)
Affected products
Novo Nordisk is discontinuing the following products:
| Brand | Presentation | Chemical | Pharmacode | Supply ends | Funding ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mixtard 30 | Inj human with neutral insulin 100 u per ml | Isophane insulin, insulin human | 797189 | November 2024 | 1 June 2025 |
|
PenMix 50 |
Inj human with neutral insulin 100 u per ml, 3 ml | Isophane insulin, insulin neutral | 785768 | November 2024 | 1 June 2025 |
| PenMix 30 | Inj human with neutral insulin 100 u per ml, 3 ml | Isophane insulin, insulin neutral | 785733 | April 2025 | to be confirmed |
| NovoMix 30 FlexPen | Inj human with neutral insulin 100 u per ml, 3 ml | Isophane insulin, insulin neutral | 2404303 | Mid-2026 | to be confirmed |
Novo Nordisk made this decision because of the age of these insulin products (they were first registered with Medsafe over 30 years ago) and the availability of funded alternatives. PenMix 40 was discontinued in 2022.
Schedule listings for intermediate acting insulin(external link)
Future discontinuation of NovoMix 30 FlexPen
You can still access this treatment. We expect stock to run out by mid-2026. You can talk to your prescriber about other medicines that would be suitable for you in the future. We will update this page with more advice in the coming months.
People who use Mixtard 30, PenMix 30, or PenMix 50
There are funded alternatives. You can continue to access insulin treatment. You will need to talk to your prescriber as soon as possible.
For health care professionals
There are a number of other fully funded insulin products that may be suitable alternatives for your patients.
Advice from NZ Society for the Study of Diabetes
When changing over to a new premixed insulin NZSSD recommendations are:
Changing from Penmix 30 or Mixtard 30 to:
- Humulin 30/70: Units of insulin will remain the same
- NovoMix 30/70 – Either: Units of insulin will remain the same, or
consider a 10% decrease if at risk of postprandial hypoglycaemia.
Monitor and titrate accordingly [Note: NovoMix will be discontinued in 2026] - Humalog Mix 25 – 30% short acting insulin will change to 25% rapid acting insulin
- consider a 10% decrease in dose
Monitor and titrate accordingly.
Changing from Penmix 50 to:
- Humalog Mix 50 – Units of insulin will remain the same
- Consider a 10% decrease if at risk of postprandial hypoglycaemia.
- Monitor and titrate accordingly.
Other alternatives:
- Consider non-insulin medication for people with type 2 diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes Management Guidance | NZSSD website(external link)
- Consider basal bolus regimens, particularly for those with type 1 diabetes
NZSSD Guidance: Discontinuation of Penmix30 and Penmix 50 and Mixtard 30 [PDF, 140 KB]
More information
We encourage health care professionals to discuss a safe transition to an alternative funded product based on your patient’s individual needs.
Schedule listings for short-acting insulin preparations(external link)
Schedule listings for intermediate-acting insulin preparations(external link)
Insulin information in the NZ Formulary(external link)
Who to contact
If you have questions about this issue, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz
Please include as much information as you can about the product (presentation, brand, pharmacode) and who your wholesaler is.
Sign up to our email list for regular emails about supply issues and more(external link)